Compositions and methods of selective nucleic acid isolation

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to methods for isolating and/or identifying nucleic acids. The invention also provides kits for isolating and/or identifying nucleic acids.

PRIORITY DATA

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/306,347, filed Nov. 27, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,208,271, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/334,029, filedNov. 28, 2001. Application Ser. Nos. 10/306,347 and 60/334,029 areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety for any purpose.

GRANT INFORMATION

The present inventions may have been made with support from the U.S.Government under NIST Grant No. 70NANB8H4002. The U.S. Government mayhave certain rights in the inventions recited herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to methods for isolating and/or identifyingnucleic acids. The invention also provides kits for isolating and/oridentifying nucleic acids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It may be desirable to isolate nucleic acids from a biological sample.In certain instances, it would be useful to selectively isolate DNA fromsuch a biological sample. In certain instances it would be useful toselectively isolate DNA and to selectively isolate RNA from a biologicalsample. Typical protocols for isolating either RNA or DNA have usedselective enzymatic degradation to remove the undesired nucleic acid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to certain embodiments, methods of isolating DNA from abiological sample are provided. In certain embodiments, methods ofisolating DNA from a biological sample comprise: selectively binding DNAto a solid phase by contacting the biological sample with the solidphase under conditions which selectively bind DNA; separating the solidphase with the bound DNA from an unbound portion of the biologicalsample; and isolating the DNA from the solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, the conditions which selectively bindDNA comprise using a binding buffer comprising: an alkaline pH; and alarge anion, wherein the large anion is at least as large as a bromideion.

According to certain embodiments, methods of isolating DNA and RNA froma biological sample are provided, comprising: selectively binding DNA toa first solid phase by contacting the biological sample with the firstsolid phase under conditions which selectively bind DNA; separating thefirst solid phase with the bound DNA from a first unbound portion of thebiological sample; isolating the DNA from the first solid phase; andisolating RNA from the first unbound portion of the biological sample.

According to certain embodiments, the isolating of the RNA from thefirst unbound portion of the biological sample comprises: exposing thefirst unbound portion of the biological sample to a second solid phaseunder conditions which bind RNA to the second solid phase; separatingthe second solid phase with bound RNA from the second portion of thebiological sample; and isolating the RNA from the second solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, methods of isolating nucleic acid froma biological sample are provided, comprising: binding nucleic acid to afirst solid phase by contacting the biological sample with the firstsolid phase under conditions which bind both DNA and RNA; separating thefirst solid phase with bound nucleic acid from a first unbound portionof the biological sample; eluting RNA from the first solid phase withbound nucleic acid under conditions which selectively bind DNA; removingthe first solid phase with bound DNA from a first eluate; and isolatingthe DNA from the first solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, the conditions which selectively bindDNA comprise using a binding buffer comprising: an alkaline pH; and alarge anion, wherein the large anion is at least as large as a bromideion.

According to certain embodiments, the method of isolating nucleic acidfrom a biological sample further comprises: exposing the first eluate toa second solid phase under conditions which bind RNA to the second solidphase; separating the second solid phase with the bound RNA from asecond eluate; and isolating the RNA from the second solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, isolating nucleic acid from a solidphase comprises eluting the nucleic acid from the solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, methods of identifying DNA in abiological sample are provided. In certain embodiments, methods ofidentifying DNA in a biological sample comprise: selectively binding DNAto a solid phase by contacting the biological sample with the solidphase under conditions which selectively bind DNA; separating the solidphase with the bound DNA from an unbound portion of the biologicalsample; and identifying the DNA bound to the solid phase. According tocertain embodiments, the identifying the nucleic acid on a solid phasecomprises amplifying the nucleic acid bound to the solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, a kit is provided, comprising: abuffer with an alkaline pH; a large anion, wherein the large anion is atleast as large as a bromide ion; and a solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, a kit is provided comprising: a solidphase; a nucleic acid binding buffer, wherein both DNA and RNA bind thesolid phase under conditions generated by the nucleic acid bindingbuffer; and a selective DNA binding buffer, wherein the conditionsgenerated by the selective DNA binding buffer allow selective binding ofDNA to the solid phase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the effects of various salts on the binding of DNA tovarious solid phases at pH 8.

FIG. 2 compares the binding of DNA to various solid phases at pH 8 inthe presence of either chloride or thiocyanate.

FIG. 3 shows the effects of various salts on the binding of RNA tovarious solid phases at pH 8.

FIG. 4 shows the effects of various salts on the selectivity of DNAbinding to various solid phases, expressed as a ratio of DNA to RNArecovery.

FIG. 5( a) shows the effects of various salts and pH on the binding ofgenomic DNA to Organon Teknika Silica.

FIG. 5( b) shows the effects of various salts and pH on the binding ofgenomic DNA to Sigma Diatomaceous Earth.

FIG. 5( c) shows the effects of various salts and pH on the binding ofgenomic DNA to Bio101 Glassmilk.

FIG. 5( d) shows the effects of pH on the binding of genomic DNA tovarious solid phases in the presence of NaCl.

FIG. 5( e) shows the effects of pH on the binding of genomic DNA tovarious solid phases in the presence of GuSCN.

FIG. 5( f) shows the effects of pH on the binding of genomic DNA toOrganon Teknika Silica in the presence of NaBr.

FIG. 5( g) shows the effects of pH on the binding of genomic DNA tovarious solid phases in the presence of NaI.

FIG. 5( h) shows the effects of pH on the binding of genomic DNA tovarious solid phases in the presence of NaCl (results are shown asrelative efficiencies at different pH levels normalized to the recoveryat pH 6).

FIG. 5( i) shows the effects of pH on the binding of genomic DNA tovarious solid phases in the presence of GuSCN (results are shown asrelative efficiencies at different pH levels normalized to the recoveryat pH 6).

FIG. 5( j) shows the effects of pH on the binding of genomic DNA toOrganon Teknika Silica in the presence of NaBr (results are shown asrelative efficiencies at different pH levels normalized to the recoveryat pH 6).

FIG. 5( k) shows the effects of pH on the binding of genomic DNA tovarious substrates in the presence of NaI, results are shown as relativeefficiencies at different pH levels normalized to the recovery at pH 6.

FIG. 6 shows the effects of pH and salt on the binding of RNA to eitherOrganon Teknika Silica or to Glassmilk.

FIG. 7 shows the effects of salt and pH on the selectivity of nucleicacid binding to Glassmilk in the presence of either NaI or NaCl.

FIG. 8( a) shows the effects of pH on the selectivity of binding ofnucleic acid (both RNA and DNA) to Sigma Silica. Binding was performedin 4.8 M NaI using each of the following buffers: 50 mM MES, pH 6.0; 50mM HEPES, pH 7.0; 50 mM Tris, pH 8.0; 50 mM Tris, pH 9.0; or 50 mM AMP,pH 10.0.

FIG. 8( b) shows the effects of pH on the selectivity of binding ofnucleic acid (both RNA and DNA) to Bangs 2.28 μm particles. Binding wasperformed in 4.8 M NaI using each the following buffers: 50 mM MES, pH6.0; 50 mM HEPES, pH 7.0; 50 mM Tris, pH 8.0; 50 mM Tris, pH 9.0; or 50mM AMP, pH 10.0.

FIG. 8( c) shows the effects of pH on the selectivity of binding ofnucleic acid (both RNA and DNA) to Davisil Silica Gel. Binding wasperformed in 4.8 M NaI using each of the following buffers: 50 mM MES,pH 6.0; 50 mM HEPES, pH 7.0; 50 mM Tris, pH 8.0; 50 mM Tris, pH 9.0; or50 mM AMP, pH 10.0.

FIG. 9 shows the selectivity of DNA versus RNA binding of various solidphases in the presence of NaI at either pH 8 or pH 10.

FIG. 10 shows the effect of DNA-selective binding conditions on bindingDNA and RNA to Sigma Silica. Increasing concentrations of either DNA orRNA were bound to Sigma Silica using 50 mM Tris, pH 8.0, and 4.8 M NaI.

FIG. 11 shows the binding of protein (bovine serum albumin) to silica atvarious pH levels.

FIG. 12( a) shows the effects of various anions and cations on bindingof DNA to Sigma Silica at pH 10 (grouped by cation).

FIG. 12( b) shows the effects of various anions and cations on bindingof RNA to Sigma Silica at pH 10 (grouped by cation).

FIG. 12( c) shows the effects of various anions and cations on bindingof DNA to Sigma Silica at pH 10 (grouped by anion).

FIG. 12( d) shows the effects of various anions and cations on bindingof RNA to Sigma Silica at pH 10 (grouped by anion).

FIG. 12( e) shows the effects of various anions and cations on bindingselectivity to Sigma Silica at pH 10 (grouped by cation).

FIG. 12( f) shows the effects of various anions and cations on bindingselectivity to Sigma Silica at pH 10 (grouped by anion).

FIG. 13 shows the results of selective binding experiments with variousconcentrations of DNA at pH 6 or pH 10.

FIG. 14 shows the results of DNA and RNA recovery under selective andnonselective conditions with different ratios of RNA to DNA.

FIG. 15 shows the results of extraction of DNA from whole blood usingSigma Silica at pH 6 and pH 10.

FIG. 16 shows the recovery of RNA after various incubation times inorder to test for RNA degradation.

FIG. 17 shows a schematic diagram of certain methods of isolatingnucleic acids by selective binding and elution.

FIG. 18 shows a stained agarose gel showing RNA and DNA isolated by anexemplary sequential selective binding method.

FIG. 19 shows a stained agarose gel showing RNA and DNA isolated by anexemplary sequential selective elution method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. In thisapplication, the use of the singular includes the plural unlessspecifically stated otherwise. In this application, the use of “or”means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term“including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”,is not limiting.

The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes onlyand are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application,including but not limited to patents, patent applications, articles,books, and treatises, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference intheir entirety for any purpose.

Definitions

The term “biological sample” is used in a broad sense and is intended toinclude a variety of biological sources that contain nucleic acids. Suchsources include, without limitation, whole tissues, including biopsymaterials and aspirates; in vitro cultured cells, including primary andsecondary cells, transformed cell lines, and tissue and cellularexplants; whole blood, red blood cells, white blood cells, and lymph;body fluids such as urine, sputum, semen, secretions, eye washes andaspirates, lung washes, cerebrospinal fluid, abscess fluid, andaspirates. Included in this definition of “biological sample” aresamples processed from biological sources, including but not limited tocell lysates and nucleic acid-containing extracts. Any organismcontaining nucleic acid may be a source of a biological sample,including, but not limited to, any eukaryotes, eubacteria,archaebacteria, or virus. Fungal and plant tissues, such as leaves,roots, stems, and caps, are also within the scope of the presentinvention. Microorganisms and viruses that may be present on or in abiological sample are within the scope of the invention.

The term “buffer,” as used herein, refers to aqueous solutions orcompositions that resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added tothe solution. This resistance to pH change is due to the solution'sbuffering action. Solutions exhibiting buffering activity are referredto as buffers or buffer solutions. Buffers typically do not have anunlimited ability to maintain the pH of a solution or composition.Rather, typically they are able to maintain the pH within certainranges, for example between pH 5 and pH 7. See, generally, C. Mohan,Buffers, A guide for the preparation and use of buffers in biologicalsystems, Calbiochem, 1999. Exemplary buffers include, but are notlimited to, MES ([2-(N-Morphilino)ethanesulfonic acid]), ADA(N-2-Acetamido-2-iminodiacetic acid), and Tris([tris(Hydroxymethyl)aminomethane]; also known as Trizma); Bis-Tris;ACES; PIPES; and MOPS.

Buffers that maintain the pH within a certain pH range, for example,between pH 5 and pH 7, and similar terms as used herein, are intended toencompass any buffer that exhibits buffering action at some point withinthe stated pH range. Thus, that term encompasses buffers that do notexhibit buffering capacity within the entire stated range, and bufferswith buffering capacity that extend beyond the stated range. Forexample, solution A may exhibit buffering capacity between pH 5.2 and6.7, solution B may exhibit buffering capacity between 6.0 and 8.0. Forpurposes of this invention, both of those solutions would be consideredbuffers that maintain the pH within the range of pH 5.0 to pH 7.0. Theskilled artisan will be able to identify an appropriate buffer formaintaining the pH between a specified range using a buffer table.Buffer tables can be found in, among other places, the Calbiochem2000-2001 General Catalog at pages 81-82, and the Sigma 2000-2001Biochemicals and Reagents for Life Science Research Catalog at page1873, both of which are expressly incorporated by reference.

The term “isolating” nucleic acid refers to the recovery of nucleic acidmolecules from a source. While it is not always optimal, the process ofrecovering nucleic acid may also include recovering some impurities suchas protein. It includes, but is not limited to, the physical enrichmentof nucleic acid molecules from a source. The term “isolating” may alsorefer to the duplication or amplification of nucleic acid molecules,without necessarily removing the nucleic acid molecules from the source.

The term “salt” as used herein, refers to a compound produced by theinteraction of an acid and a base. Exemplary salts include, but are notlimited to, sodium chloride (table salt), sodium iodide, sodium bromide,lithium bromide, lithium iodide, potassium phosphate, sodiumbicarbonate, and the like. In water and other aqueous solutions, saltstypically dissociate into an “anion” or negatively charged subcomponent,and a “cation” or positively charge subcomponent. For example, whensodium chloride (NaCl) is dissolved in water, it dissociates into asodium cation (Na⁺) and a chloride anion (Cl⁻). Examplary salts arediscussed, e.g., in Waser, Jurg, Quantitative Chemistry, A LaboratoryText, W.A. Benjamin, Inc., New York, page 160, (1966).

The term “nucleic acid,” as used herein, refers to a polymer ofribonucleosides or deoxyribonucleosides typically comprisingphosphodiester linkages between subunits. Other linkages betweensubunits include, but are not limited to, methylphosphonate,phosphorothioate, and peptide linkages. Such nucleic acids include, butare not limited to, genomic DNA, cDNA, hnRNA, mRNA, rRNA, tRNA,fragmented nucleic acid, nucleic acid obtained from subcellularorganelles such as mitochondria or chloroplasts, and nucleic acidobtained from microorganisms or DNA or RNA viruses that may be presenton or in a biological sample.

Solid phase components (also called solid phases) that are capable ofbinding to nucleic acids released from a biological sample include avariety of materials that are capable of binding nucleic acids undersuitable conditions. Exemplary solid phase components include, but arenot limited to, silica particles, silicon dioxide, diatomaceous earth,glass, alkylsilica, aluminum silicate, borosilicate, nitrocellulose,diazotized paper, hydroxyapatite, nylon, metal oxides, zirconia,alumina, diethylaminoethyl- and triethylaminoethyl-derivatized supports(Chromegabond SAX, LiChrosorb-AN, Nucleosil SB, Partisil SAX, RSL Anion,Vydac TP Anion, Zorbax SAX, Nucleosil NMe₂, Aminex A-series, Chromex,and Hamilton HA Ionex SB, DEAE sepharose, QAE sepharose), hydrophobicchromatography resins (such phenyl- or octyl-sepharose), and the like.

The term “selective binding” with regard to nucleic acid refers tobinding of a type or species of nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) to a solidphase under conditions in which other types or species of nucleic acid(e.g., RNA) bind less efficiently. For example, conditions for bindingmay be said to be selective for DNA when the amount of DNA bound to asolid phase is greater than the amount of RNA, when the DNA and RNA arein equimolar ratios in solution. Further, conditions for the binding ofDNA to a solid phase may be said to be selective when the efficiency ofbinding of DNA to a solid phase is unaffected by the amount of RNA insolution with the DNA.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A. According to certain embodiments, methods of isolating DNA from abiological sample are provided, which comprise: selectively binding DNAto a solid phase by contacting the biological sample with the solidphase under conditions which selectively bind DNA; separating the solidphase with the bound DNA from an unbound portion of the biologicalsample; and isolating the DNA from the solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, methods of identifying DNA in abiological sample are provided. In certain embodiments, methods ofidentifying DNA in a biological sample comprise: selectively binding DNAto a solid phase by contacting the biological sample with the solidphase under conditions which selectively bind DNA; separating the solidphase with the bound DNA from an unbound portion of the biologicalsample; and identifying the DNA bound to the solid phase. According tocertain embodiments, the identifying the DNA bound to the solid phasecomprises amplifying the DNA bound to the solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, the solid phase is a siliceousmaterial. In certain embodiments, the siliceous material is selectedfrom a group comprising silica, silica dioxide, diatomaceous earth,glass, Celite, and silica gel. In certain embodiments, the solid phaseis in a form selected from a group comprising a particle, a bead, amembrane, a frit, and a side of a container. Exemplary, but nonlimiting,examples of solid phases are discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,648,975;4,923,978; 5,075,430; 5,175,271; 5,234,809; 5,438,129; 5,658,548;5,804,684; and 5,808,041; European Application Nos. EP 0 391 608 and EP0 757 106; and PCT Publication Nos. WO 87/06621; WO 91/00924; WO92/18514; WO 97/30062; WO 99/51734; and WO 99/40098.

According to certain embodiments, the conditions which selectively bindDNA comprise using a binding buffer comprising: an alkaline pH; and alarge anion, wherein the large anion is at least as large as a bromideion. In certain embodiments, the large anion is selected from at leastone of a group comprising picrate, tannate, tungstate, molybdate,perchlorate, and sulfosalicylate. In certain embodiments, the largeanion is selected from at least one of a group comprisingtrichloroacetate, tribromoacetate, thiocyanate, and nitrate. In certainembodiments, the large anion is selected from at least one of a groupcomprising iodide and bromide. In certain embodiments, the alkaline pHis equal to, or above 8.0. In certain embodiments, the alkaline pH isequal to, or above 9.0. In certain embodiments, the alkaline pH is equalto, or above 10.0. In certain embodiments, the alkaline pH is any pHrange or point between 8.0 and 12.0.

In certain embodiments, the isolating the DNA from the solid phasecomprises eluting the DNA.

B. According to certain embodiments, methods of isolating DNA and RNAfrom a biological sample are provided, which comprise: selectivelybinding DNA to a first solid phase by contacting the biological samplewith the first solid phase under conditions which selectively bind DNA;separating the first solid phase with the bound DNA from a first unboundportion of the biological sample; isolating the DNA from the first solidphase; and isolating RNA from the first unbound portion of thebiological sample. In certain embodiments, the isolating the DNA fromthe first solid phase comprises eluting the DNA.

According to certain embodiments, methods of identifying DNA and RNA ina biological sample are provided, which comprise: selectively bindingDNA to a first solid phase by contacting the biological sample with thefirst solid phase under conditions which selectively bind DNA;separating the first solid phase with the bound DNA from a first unboundportion of the biological sample; identifying the DNA bound to the firstsolid phase; and identifying the RNA from the first unbound portion ofthe biological sample. In certain embodiments, the isolating the DNAfrom the first solid phase comprises eluting the DNA. In certainembodiments, the identifying the DNA bound to the first solid phasecomprises amplifying the DNA bound to the first solid phase.

One of ordinary skill will appreciate that there are many methods ofidentifying nucleic acid (both DNA and RNA) bound to a solid phase,according to certain embodiments. Such methods include, but are notlimited to, hybridization to labeled probes, reverse transcription, massspectrometry, and detection by a reaction of the bound DNA with a label,e.g., detection of fluorescence following the addition of a DNA-bindingfluorophore.

According to certain embodiments, the isolating of the RNA from thefirst unbound portion of the biological sample comprises: exposing thefirst unbound portion of the biological sample to a second solid phaseunder conditions which bind RNA to the second solid phase; separatingthe second solid phase with bound RNA from the second portion of thebiological sample; and isolating the RNA from the second solid phase byeluting the RNA.

According to certain embodiments, the conditions which bind RNA to thesecond solid phase comprise a neutral or acidic pH. In certainembodiments, the conditions which bind RNA to the second solid phasecomprise reducing the pH to 8.0 or below. In certain embodiments, theconditions which bind RNA to the second solid phase comprise use of asalt with an anion smaller than bromide.

According to certain embodiments, the second solid phase is selectedfrom any of the materials discussed above to the first solid phase in Aabove. The second solid phase may be the same material as the firstsolid phase or it may be different material.

According to certain embodiments, the conditions which selectively bindDNA comprise using a binding buffer comprising: an alkaline pH; and alarge anion, wherein the large anion is at least as large as a bromideion. Conditions which selectively bind DNA for these methods maycomprise the conditions discussed above for selectively binding DNA insection A.

As a non-limiting example, one may add a buffer or salt to a celllysate, making the cell lysate very alkaline. A solid phase, such asilica bead, would then be exposed to the alkaline lysate. DNAselectively binds to the bead, which is then removed. Another buffer orsalt is added to the alkaline lysate to make the lysate neutral in pH. Asecond solid phase is added to the neutral lysate, and the RNA in thelysate binds to the second solid phase. The DNA bound to the first solidphase is then eluted with a neutral or alkaline, low salt buffer. Thesecond solid phase is removed from the neutral lysate, and the RNA iseluted from the second solid phase with a neutral or alkaline, low saltbuffer.

C. According to certain embodiments, methods of isolating nucleic acidfrom a biological sample are provided, which comprise: binding nucleicacid to a first solid phase by contacting the biological sample with thefirst solid phase under conditions which bind both RNA and DNA;separating the first solid phase with bound nucleic acid from a firstunbound portion of the biological sample; eluting RNA from the firstsolid phase with bound nucleic acid under conditions which selectivelybind DNA; removing the first solid phase with bound DNA from a firsteluate; and isolating the DNA from the first solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, the isolating the DNA from the firstsolid phase comprises eluting the DNA from the first solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, methods of identifying nucleic acid ina biological sample are provided, which comprise: binding nucleic acidto a first solid phase by contacting the biological sample with thefirst solid phase under conditions which bind both RNA and DNA;separating the first solid phase with bound nucleic acid from a firstunbound portion of the biological sample; eluting RNA from the firstsolid phase with bound nucleic acid under conditions which selectivelybind DNA; removing the first solid phase with bound DNA from a firsteluate of the biological sample; and identifying the DNA bound to thefirst solid phase. According to certain embodiments, the identifying theDNA bound to the first solid phase comprises amplifying the DNA bound tothe first solid phase.

One of ordinary skill will appreciate that there are many methods ofidentifying nucleic acid (both DNA and RNA) bound to a solid phase,according to certain embodiments. Such methods include, but are notlimited to, hybridization to labeled probes, reverse transcription, massspectrometry, and detection by a reaction of the bound DNA with a label,such as detection of fluorescence following the addition of aDNA-binding fluorophore.

According to certain embodiments, the first solid phase is selected fromany of the materials discussed above to the first solid phase in Aabove.

According to certain embodiments, the conditions which selectively bindDNA comprise using a binding buffer comprising: a buffer with analkaline pH; and a large anion, wherein the large anion is at least aslarge as a bromide ion. Conditions which selectively bind DNA for thesemethods may comprise the conditions discussed above for selectivelybinding DNA in section A.

According to certain embodiments, the method of isolating nucleic acidfrom a biological sample further comprises: exposing the first eluate toa second solid phase under conditions which bind RNA to the second solidphase; separating the second solid phase with the bound RNA from asecond eluate of the biological sample; and isolating the RNA from thesecond solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, the isolating the RNA from the secondsolid phase comprises eluting the RNA. According to certain embodiments,the isolating the RNA from the second solid phase comprises amplifyingthe RNA bound to the second solid phase.

According to certain embodiments, the second solid phase is selectedfrom any of the materials discussed above to the first solid phase in Aabove. The second solid phase may be the same material as the firstsolid phase or it may be different material.

According to certain embodiments, the conditions which selectively bindDNA comprise using a binding buffer comprising: an alkaline pH; and alarge anion, wherein the large anion is at least as large as a bromideion. Conditions which selectively bind DNA for these methods maycomprise the conditions discussed above for selectively binding DNA insection A. In certain embodiments, the conditions which bind RNA to thesecond solid phase comprise a neutral or acidic pH.

In certain embodiments, the conditions which bind RNA to the secondsolid phase comprise reducing the pH to 8.0 or below. In certainembodiments, the conditions which bind RNA to the second solid phasecomprise use of a salt with an anion smaller than bromide.

As a non-limiting example, a solid phase, such a silica bead, would beexposed to a cell lysate. Nucleic acid, both DNA and RNA, then binds tothe solid phase, which is then removed. The solid phase is then placedin a high pH buffer, which allows the RNA to elute from the solid phase,but keeps the DNA bound to the solid phase. The solid phase is thenremoved, and placed in a low salt buffer, which elutes the DNA.

D. According to certain embodiments, a kit is provided, which comprises:a buffer with an alkaline pH; a large anion, wherein the large anion isat least as large as a bromide ion; and a solid phase. In certainembodiments, the large anion is selected from any of the large anionsdiscussed in section A. In certain embodiments, the alkaline pH is equalto, or above 8.0. In certain embodiments, the alkaline pH is equal to,or above 9.0. In certain embodiments, the alkaline pH is equal to, orabove 10.0. According to certain embodiments, the solid phase isselected from any of the materials discussed above to the solid phase inA above.

E. According to certain embodiments, a kit is provided, which comprises:a solid phase; a nucleic acid binding buffer, wherein both DNA and RNAbind the solid phase under conditions generated by the nucleic acidbinding buffer; and a selective DNA binding buffer, wherein theconditions generated by the selective DNA binding buffer allow selectivebinding of DNA to the solid phase. The conditions which selectively bindDNA are those discussed in section A, above. In certain embodiments, thekit further comprises an RNA binding buffer, wherein the conditionsgenerated by the RNA binding buffer allow RNA to bind to a solid phase.Conditions which allow the binding of RNA are those discussed in sectionB, above. In certain embodiments, the selective binding buffer has a pHequal to, or above 8.0. In certain embodiments, the selective bindingbuffer has a pH equal to, or above 9.0. In certain embodiments, theselective binding buffer has a pH equal to, or above 10.0. According tocertain embodiments, the solid phase is selected from any of thematerials discussed above to the solid phase in A above. In certainembodiments, the nucleic acid binding buffer has a pH equal to, or below8.0.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate certain embodiments of the invention,and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way.

The following terms, abbreviations, and sources apply to the materialsdiscussed throughout Examples 1 to 4.

These substrates were obtained from the following sources: Silica(Organon Teknika, Product Number 82951, Lot 00030302), DiatomaceousEarth (Sigma, Product Number D-3877, Lot 128H3702), Empore Filter Aid400 (3M, Product Number 56221-746, Lot 990020), Silica Gel (JT Baker,Product Number 3405-01, Lot N36338), Silicon dioxide (Sigma, ProductNumber S-5631, Lot 58H0154), Binding Matrix (BIO-101, Product Number6540-408, Lot Number 6540-408-0B13), Glassmilk Spin Buffer #4 (BIO 101,Product Number 2072-204, Lot Number 2072-204-8A17), Davisil Grade 643Silica Gel (Spectrum, Product Number Sil 66, Lot NE 0387), and UniformSilica Microspheres (Bangs Laboratories, Inc. Catalog Code SS05N, Inv #L0002188).

Abbreviations or names of the following reagents and sources for themare as follows: guanidine hydrochloride (Sigma, Lot 38H5432), guanidinethiocyanate (Sigma, Product Number G-9277), sodium iodide (AldrichChemical Company, Product Number 38,311-2, Lot Number 07004TS), sodiumperchlorate (Aldrich Chemical Company, Product Number 41,024-1, Lot KU06910HU), sodium bromide (Aldrich, Product Number 31050-6, Lot 11805KR),sodium chloride (Aldrich Chemical Company, Product Number 33,251-4, LotNumber 16524CS), Tris (Trizma base, Tris[Hydroxymethyl]aminomethane,Sigma, Product Number T-6791, Lot Number 1261-15738)—pH 8, MES(2-[N-Morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid, Sigma, product number M-5287, lotnumber 58H5411)—pH 6.0, AMP (2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, Sigma, ProductNumber 221)—pH 10, Hepes (n-[2hydroxyethyl]piperazine -N′-[2-ethanesulfonic acid], Sigma, product number H-4034, lot number 19H54101),ethanol (Ethyl alcohol, absolute, Aldrich, catalog number E702-3), HCl(Sigma, Product Number H-7020, Lot Number 97H3562), sodium hydroxide(Sigma, Product Number S-8045, Lot Number 127H0531 and 69H1264),ammonium bifluoride (ammonium hydrogen fluoride, Aldrich Product Number22,482-0), nitric acid (Aldrich, Product number 22571-1, lot number00261 A1), and ammonium hydroxide (Aldrich product number 22,122-8, lotnumber 02308KR).

Nucleic acids and tissue samples and sources for them are as follows:calf thymus genomic DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, type 1, highlypolymerized from calf thymus, Sigma, Product Number D-1501, Lot87H7840); rat liver total RNA (Biochain Institute, lot numbers A304057,A305062, or A306073); and whole blood (Blood Centers of the Pacific).

The spectrophotometry was performed with a Hewlett-Packard Model 8453Spectrophotometer.

Gel electrophoresis of nucleic acid samples in Examples 12 to 14 wascarried out using SeaKem® agarose (Teknova); 1×TBE (89 mM Tris, 89 mMBoric Acid, 2 mM EDTA, Teknova, catalog number 0278-1L, lot number17F801); and 0.5 μg/ml ethidium bromide buffer (BIO-RAD). Molecularweight markers used in electrophoresis were an AmpliSize DNA molecularweight standard (BIO-RAD), a High Molecular Weight DNA Marker (GibcoBRL), and an RNA ladder (GIBCO BRL).

Example 1

Silica and glass matrices from a variety of suppliers were evaluated fortheir ability to bind genomic DNA using different salts at pH 8.

Silica (Organon Teknika), Diatomaceous Earth, Empore Filter Aid 400,J.T. Baker Silica Gel, Silicon dioxide, Binding Matrix, and GlassmilkSpin Buffer #4 were used for the following example. Prior to use, allparticles (except the Silica from Organon Teknika) were prepared asfollows: the particles were washed once with 4-8 volumes of 1 N HCl,twice with 4-8 volumes of water, once with 4-8 volumes of 1 N NaOH,twice with 4-8 volumes of water, once with 4-8 volumes of ethanol, andfour times with 4-8 volumes of water. As used herein, one “volume” ofwater or ethanol refers to an amount of water or ethanol equal in massto the mass of the particles being washed. The Binding Matrix andGlassmilk from BIO-101 were washed 4 times with at least 4 volumes ofwater before being treated with HCl, NaOH, and ethanol (as describedabove). The Silica particles were used as supplied. Diatomaceous Earth,Empore Filter Aid 400, Silica Gel, and Silicon dioxide were stored as a200 mg/ml (20%) slurry in water. The Binding Matrix particles werestored as a 580 mg/ml (58%) slurry in water and the Glassmilk particleswere stored as a 373 mg/ml (37%) slurry in water.

Calf thymus DNA was used as the source of the genomic DNA. Shearedgenomic DNA used in the following examples was prepared as follows. TheDNA was resuspended at approximately 10 mg/ml in water. The DNA was thensheared by passing the material four times through a 20 G 1½ needle,three times through a 21 G 1½ gauge needle, 22 G 1½ gauge needle, andonce through a 26 G 1½ gauge needle.

Each solid phase and buffer combination shown in FIG. 1 was assayedonce. Sheared calf thymus DNA (25 μg of DNA, 50 μl of a 0.5 mg/mlconcentration) was added to 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes containing 0.45ml of one of the following buffers: (1) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 Mguanidine thiocyanate; (2) 50 mM Tris HCl, pH 8; 4.75 M guanidinehydrochloride; (3) 50 mM Tris HCl, pH 8; 4.75 M Sodium chloride; (4) 50mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 M sodium bromide; (5) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8,4.75M sodium iodide; or (6) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 M sodiumperchlorate. The nucleic acid was incubated for up to 10 minutes atambient temperature in the buffered solution, with occasional mixing.Those mixtures were incubated for 10 minutes at ambient temperature withoccasional mixing. Following the binding incubation, the particles werecentrifuged (15,800×g, 1 minute) and washed twice with 0.5 ml of thebinding buffer that had been used for the binding incubation.Subsequently, the particles were washed three to four times with 0.5 mlof 70% ethanol.

Following the last ethanol wash, the particles were allowed to air dryat ambient temperature or at 56° C. for 5-10 minutes. The bound nucleicacid was first eluted with 0.25 ml of 10 mM Tris, pH 9 for 5 minutes at56° C. with constant mixing and the eluted nucleic acid was collected.Any residual nucleic acid bound to the particles was subsequently elutedwith 0.25 ml of 0.1 N NaOH at 56° C. for 5 minutes with constant mixingand the eluted nucleic acid was collected. The amount of nucleic acidwas quantified by spectrophotometry. The results are shown in FIG. 1.

At pH 8, the effect of salt composition on DNA binding appeared to be afunction of the source of the solid phase. For a particular matrix, therecovery of DNA varied up to 43-fold, depending on the choice of salt.The preferred anions for most of the matrices in this work were thebulky anions thiocyanate, bromide, iodide, and perchlorate. In general,recovery of DNA was poor with salts containing the less bulky chlorideanion. A comparison of the effect of GuHCl and GuSCN on DNA bindingdemonstrated greater DNA binding in the presence of the largerthiocyanate anion.

Example 2

The solid phases used in the present example were prepared as describedin Example 1. Sheared genomic DNA from calf thymus was prepared asdescribed in Example 1.

Each solid phase and buffer combination was assayed once. Sheared calfthymus DNA (25 μg of DNA, 50 μl of a 0.5 mg/ml concentration) was addedto a 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube containing 0.45 ml of either (1) 50 mMTris-HCl, pH 8 and 4.75 M guanidine thiocyanate; or (2) 50 mM Tris-HCl,pH 8 and 4.75 M guanidine hydrochloride. Nucleic acid was incubated upto 10 minutes at ambient temperature in the buffered solution, withoccasional mixing. Each of the seven solid phases (10-187 mg) was addedseparately to each of the two buffered nucleic acid solutions so thatthere were 14 containers with each combination of the individual solidphases and buffers. Those mixtures were incubated for 10 minutes atambient temperature with occasional mixing. Following the bindingincubation, the particles were centrifuged (15,800×g, 1 minute) andwashed twice with 0.5 ml of the binding buffer that had been used forthe binding incubation. Subsequently, the particles were washed three tofour times with 0.5 ml of 70% ethanol.

Following the last ethanol wash, the particles were allowed to air dryat ambient temperature or at 56° C. for 5-10 minutes. The bound nucleicacid was first eluted with 0.25 ml of 10 mM Tris, pH 9 for 5 minutes at56° C. with constant mixing and the eluted nucleic acid was collected.Any residual nucleic acid bound to the particles was subsequently elutedwith 0.25 ml of 0.1 N NaOH at 56° C. for 5 minutes with constant mixingand the eluted nucleic acid was collected. The amount of nucleic acidwas quantified by spectrophotometry. The results are shown in FIG. 2. Ingeneral, recovery in the presence of thiocyanate appeared superior torecovery in the presence of chloride ions.

Example 3

The binding characteristics of RNA to silica and glass solid phases froma variety of suppliers were evaluated using different salts at pH 8.Silica, Diatomaceous Earth, Binding Matrix, and Glassmilk Spin Buffer #4were used for the following studies. The solid phase particles wereprepared as described in Example 1.

Each solid phase and buffer combination was assayed once. Rat livertotal RNA (15 μg of RNA, 6 μl of a 2.5 mg/ml concentration in water) wasadded to a 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tube containing 0.45 ml of one of thefollowing buffers: (1) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 M guanidinethiocyanate; (2) 50 mM Tris HCl, pH 8; 4.75 M guanidine hydrochloride;(3) 50 mM Tris HCl, pH 8; 4.75 M sodium chloride; or (4) 50 mM Tris HCl,pH 8; 4.75 M sodium iodide. Nucleic acid was incubated up to 5 minutesat ambient temperature in the buffered solution, with occasional mixing.Those mixtures were incubated 10 minutes at ambient temperature withoccasional mixing.

Following the binding incubation, the particles were centrifuged(15,800×g, 1 minute) and washed twice with 0.5 ml of the binding bufferthat had been used for the binding incubation. Subsequently, theparticles were washed two or four times with 0.5 ml of 70% ethanol. Theparticles which were washed twice with ethanol were then washed oncewith 0.5 ml of acetone and were allowed to dry for 5 minutes at 56° C.The bound nucleic acid was first eluted with 0.25 or 0.275 ml of 50 mMTris, pH 9 for 5 minutes at 56° C. with constant mixing and the elutednucleic acid was collected. Any residual nucleic acid was eluted with0.25 or 0.275 ml of 0.1 N NaOH at 56° C. for 5 minutes with constantmixing and the eluted nucleic acid was collected. The amount of nucleicacid was quantified by spectrophotometry. The results are shown in FIG.3.

In contrast to the results found with DNA, recovery of RNA when bound tothe solid phase at pH 8 did not appear to show a strong dependence onsalt composition. The selection of salt resulted in less than athreefold variation in the recovery of RNA for a particular matrix.

When binding at pH 8, many of the matrices showed a moderately higherbinding of DNA as compared to RNA. Selectivity for DNA binding wasincreased with sodium iodide (see FIG. 4).

Example 4

In order to investigate the relationship between DNA binding tosolid-phases, DNA was bound to several solid-phases using buffers withdifferent salt compositions and pH levels.

The following solid phases used in this study were prepared as describedin Example 1: Silica, Diatomaceous Earth, and Glassmilk Spin Buffer #4.For these studies, sheared calf thymus DNA prepared as described inExample 1 was used as the source of genomic DNA.

Each solid phase and buffer combination was assayed once. Sheared calfthymus DNA (25 μg-50 μl at 0.5 mg/ml) was added to different 1.5 mlmicrocentrifuge tubes containing 0.45 ml of one of the followingbuffers: (1) 50 mM MES, pH 6, 4.75 M guanidine thiocyanate; (2) 50 mMMES, pH 6.0, 4.75 M sodium chloride; (3) 50 mM MES, pH 6.0, 4.75 Msodium bromide; (4) 50 mM MES, pH 6.0, 4.75 M sodium iodide; (5) 50 mMTris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 M guanidine thiocyanate; (6) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8,4.75 M sodium chloride; (7) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75M sodium bromide;(8) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 M sodium iodide; (9) 50 mM AMP, pH 10,4.75M guanidine thiocyanate; (10) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.75 M sodiumchloride; (11) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.75 M sodium bromide; or (12) 50 mMAMP, pH 10, 4.75 M sodium iodide.

Nucleic acid was incubated for 5 to 10 minutes at ambient temperature inthe buffered solution, sometimes with occasional mixing. Each of thethree solid phases (10 mg) was added separately to each of the bufferednucleic acid solutions. Those mixtures were incubated for 10 minutes atambient temperature with occasional mixing, following the bindingincubation, the particles were centrifuged (4000×g, 1 minute) and washedtwice with 0.5 ml of the binding buffer that had been used for thebinding incubation. The particles were then washed three times with 0.5ml of 70% ethanol.

Following the last ethanol wash, the particles were allowed to air dryat ambient temperature for 5-10 minutes. The bound nucleic acid wasfirst eluted with 0.25 ml of 50 mM Tris, pH 9 for 5 minutes at 56° C.with constant mixing, and the eluted nucleic acid was collected. Anyresidual nucleic acid bound to the particles was eluted with 0.25 ml of0.1 N NaOH at 56° C. for 5 minutes with constant mixing and the elutednucleic acid was collected. The amount of nucleic acid was quantified byspectrophotometry. Results for each set of experiments are shown inFIGS. 5( a)-(k).

Previous investigators showed that DNA binding to silica decreases asthe pH of the buffer is increased above 7 (Melzak, Kathryn A. et al.(1996), Driving Forces for DNA Adsorption to Silica in PerchlorateSolutions, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 181: 635-644). Theresults in this example showed that the salt composition influenced theeffect of pH on DNA binding. The results also demonstrated that sourceof the solid phase altered the magnitude of the effect of the salt andthe absolute amount of nucleic acid that was bound. The effect of salton pH sensitivity of DNA binding shows the following order ofsensitivity to pH:NaCl>GuSCN>NaBr>NaI

Example 5

The effect of pH and particular salts on RNA binding was also evaluated.The solid phases Binding Matrix and Glassmilk particles were prepared asdescribed in Example 1. Rat liver total RNA was the source of RNA.

Each solid phase and buffer combination was assayed once. Rat livertotal RNA (15 μg of RNA, 6 μl of a 2.5 mg/ml concentration) was added to1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes containing 0.45 ml of one of the followingbuffers: (1) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 M guanidine thiocyanate; (2) 50mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 M sodium chloride; (3) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8,4.75 M sodium iodide; (4) 50 mM MES, pH 6, 4.75 M guanidine thiocyanate;(5) 50 mM MES, pH 6, 4.75 M sodium iodide; (6) 50 mM MES, pH 6, 4.75 Msodium chloride; (7) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.75 M guanidine thiocyanate; (8)50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.75 M sodium iodide; or (9) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.75 Msodium chloride. Nucleic acid was incubated up to 5 minutes at ambienttemperature in the buffered solution, with occasional mixing. Each ofthe two solid phases (10-187 mg) was added separately to the bufferednucleic acid solutions. Those mixtures were incubated 10 minutes atambient temperature with occasional mixing. Following the bindingincubation, the particles were centrifuged (15,800×g, 1 minute) andwashed twice with 0.5 ml of the binding buffer that had been used forthe binding incubation. Subsequently, the particles were washed two orfour times with 0.5 ml of 70% ethanol. The particles which were washedtwice with ethanol were then washed once with 0.5 ml of acetone and wereallowed to dry for 5 minutes at 56° C. The bound nucleic acid was firsteluted with 0.25 ml or 0.275 ml of 10 mM Tris, pH 9 for 5 minutes at 56°C. with constant mixing, and the eluted nucleic acid was collected. Anyresidual nucleic acid bound to the particles was subsequently elutedwith 0.25 or 0.275 ml of 0.1 N NaOH for 5 minutes with constant mixingand the eluted nucleic acid was collected. The amount of nucleic acidwas quantified by spectrophotometry.

The results are shown in FIG. 6. RNA binding to the two solid-phasesevaluated showed a large dependency on pH. There was a significantreduction in RNA binding with all salts when the pH of the buffer wasincreased.

Example 6

The selectivity of Glass Milk was evaluated further as a function of pHand ionic composition during binding. Glassmilk Spin Buffer #4 wasprepared as described in Example 1. Sheared calf thymus DNA was preparedas described in Example 1. Rat liver total RNA was the source of RNA.

Each nucleic acid and buffer combination was assayed once. Either 25 μg(50 μl of a 0.5 mg/ml solution in water) of sheared calf thymus DNA or15 μg (6 μl of a 2.5 mg/ml solution in water) of rat liver total RNA wasadded separately to separate 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes containing0.45 ml of one of the following buffers: (1) 50 mM MES, pH 6.0, 4.75 Msodium chloride; (2) 50 mM MES, pH 6.0, 4.75 M sodium iodide; (3) 50 mMTris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 M sodium chloride; (4) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 Msodium iodide; (5) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.75 M sodium iodide; or (6) 50 mMAMP, pH 10, 4.75 M sodium chloride. Thus, there were 12 separatecontainers with each combination of the DNA or RNA and individualbuffers. The solid phase (186 mg) was added to the buffered nucleic acidsolutions and the mixtures were incubated 10 minutes at ambienttemperature with occasional mixing. Following the binding incubation,the particles were centrifuged (15,800×g, 1 minute) and washed twicewith 0.5 ml of the binding buffer that had been used for the bindingincubation. Subsequently, the particles were washed four times with 0.5ml of 70% ethanol. The bound nucleic acid was first eluted with 0.25 mlof 10 mM Tris, pH 9 for 5 minutes at 56° C. with constant mixing and theeluted nucleic acid was collected. Any residual nucleic acid bound tothe particles was eluted with 0.25 of 0.1 N NaOH for 5 minutes withconstant mixing and the eluted nucleic acid was collected. The amount ofnucleic acid was quantified by spectrophotometry.

The results are shown in FIG. 7. With sodium iodide as the binding salt,selectivity for DNA binding increased when the pH was increased. Incontrast, binding in the presence of sodium chloride did not showincreased specificity at an alkaline pH.

Example 7

The effect of pH on DNA and RNA binding in the presence of sodium iodidewas evaluated with several solid phases. Silicon dioxide (Sigma, ProductNumber S-5631, Lot 58H0154), Davisil Grade 643 Silica Gel (Spectrum,Product Number Sil 66, Lot NE 0387) and Uniform Silica Microspheres(Bangs Laboratories, Inc. Catalog Code SS05N, Inv # L0002188) were usedfor the following study. Prior to use, the silicon dioxide and DavisilGrade Silica Gel particles were prepared as follows. The particles werewashed once with water, once with 500 mM ammonium bifluoride, once with100 mM nitric acid, twice with 100 mM ammonium hydroxide, twice with 300mM ammonium hydroxide, once with ethanol, and nine times with water. Allparticles of the three solid phases were prepared and stored as a 200mg/ml (20%) slurry in water.

Total rat liver RNA was the source of RNA. For genomic DNA, sheared calfthymus DNA was prepared as described in Example 1.

Each solid phase, nucleic acid, and buffer combination was performed intriplicate. Either sheared calf thymus DNA (30 μg, addition of 50 μL ofa 590 μg/mL stock) or total rat liver RNA (30 μg, addition of 50 μL of a600 μg/mL stock) was added separately to separate 1.5 ml microcentrifugetubes containing 50 μL of silica particles (10 mg) along with 0.45 ml ofone of the following buffers: (1) 50 mM MES, pH 6.0, 4.8 M NaI; (2) 50mM Hepes, pH 7.0, 4.8 M NaI; (3) 50 mM Tris, pH 8, 4.8 M NaI; (4) 50 mMTris, pH 9, 4.8 M NaI; or (5) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.8 M NaI. For each ofthe three solid phases, binding of either DNA or RNA was evaluated witheach of the five buffers in triplicate, resulting in a total of thirtycontainers per solid phase. Nucleic acid was incubated 5-30 minutes atambient temperature in the buffered solution, with continuous mixingusing a Vortex Genie-2 mixer at setting 7 (Scientific Industries).

Following binding, the particles were centrifuged 14,000 rpm for 1minute and the supernatant removed. The particles were subsequentlywashed four times with 1 mL of 70% ethanol. Following addition of 250 μLof 50 mM Tris, pH 9.0, the particles were incubated for 5-6 minutes at56° C. with continuous shaking (1400 rpm) on an Eppendorf Thermomixer R.The particles were centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 1 minute and thesupernatant containing eluted nucleic acid was collected. In order todetect the presence of residual bound nucleic acid, 250 μL of 100 mMNaOH was added, the particles were incubated for 5-70 minutes at 56° C.with continuous shaking (1400 rpm) on an Eppendorf Thermomixer R, andthe eluted nucleic acid was collected. The amount of nucleic acid ineach fraction was quantified spectrophotometrically.

The results are shown in FIGS. 8( a)-(c). Almost all siliceous solidphases that were examined showed an increased selectivity for DNAbinding at alkaline pH when sodium iodide was the binding salt. DNAbinding to Sigma Silica in the presence of sodium iodide was relativelyinsensitive to pH. In contrast, increasing the pH resulted in a dramaticdecrease in binding of RNA to the same solid phase. Thus, DNAselectivity was seen at an alkaline pH in the presence of NaI.

Example 8

The effect of pH on DNA selectivity was examined using several solidphases when sodium iodide was the binding salt. Silica (OrganonTeknika), Diatomaceous Earth, silicon dioxide (Sigma Silica), BindingMatrix, and Glassmilk were prepared as described in Example 1. Bindingwas carried out in the presence of sheared calf thymus DNA (as describedin Example 1) or rat liver total RNA. Binding was performed in thefollowing binding buffers: (1) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 M NaI; or (2)50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.75 M NaI.

Each solid phase, nucleic acid, and buffer combination was assayed oneto three times. Either sheared calf thymus DNA (25 μg) or total ratliver RNA (15-25 μg) was added to separate 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubescontaining 4.5 ml of one of the following buffers: (1) 50 mM Tris-HCl,pH 8, 4.75 M NaI; or (2) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.75 M NaI.

Each of the five solid phases (10-186 mg) was added separately to thecombinations of RNA or DNA and the individual buffers. The data in FIG.9 reflects for each of the RNA and DNA experiments: (1) three separatecontainers with Glassmilk at pH 8 and 2 containers with Glassmilk at pH10; (2) two separate containers with Binding Matrix at pH 8 and 1container with Binding Matrix at pH 10; (3) one separate container withSigma Silica at pH 8 and 1 container with Sigma Silica at pH 10; (4) oneseparate container with Silica (Organon Teknika) at pH 8; and (5) twoseparate containers with Diatomaceous Earth at pH 8 and 1 container withDiatomaceous Earth at pH 10. Thus, there were 14 different containerswith each of the possible combinations of solid phase and buffer for theRNA, and there were 14 different containers with each of the possiblecombinations of solid phase and buffer for the DNA. The mixtures wereincubated for 10 minutes at ambient temperature with occasional mixing.Following the binding incubation, the particles were centrifuged(15,800×g, 1 minute) and washed twice with 0.5 ml of the binding bufferthat had been used in the binding incubation. Subsequently, theparticles were washed three to four times in 0.5 ml of 70% ethanol.

Following the last ethanol wash, particles were allowed to air dry atambient temperature or at 56° C. for 5-10 minutes. The bound nucleicacid was first eluted with 0.25 ml of 10 mM Tris, pH 9 for 5 minutes at56° C. with constant mixing and the eluted nucleic acid was collected.Any residual nucleic acid bound to the particles was eluted with 0.25 mlof 0.1 N NaOH at 56° C. for 5 minutes with constant mixing and theeluted nucleic acid was collected. The amount of nucleic acid wasquantified by spectrophotometry.

The results are shown in FIG. 9. Each of the solid phases that wereexamined showed a greater specificity for DNA binding at the alkalinepH. There appeared to be a reduced affinity for RNA at alkaline pH.Binding of DNA at concentrations below saturation of the solid phase wasefficient. Virtually all of the added DNA was bound and recovered fromthe siliceous solid phase. In contrast, binding of RNA under theseconditions was inefficient even when the amount added was high.

Example 9

To measure the difference between the binding of DNA and RNA to silicondioxide, and the level of saturation, the following experiment wasperformed. The solid phase examined was silicon dioxide, which wasprepared as described in Example 1. The nucleic acids studied weresheared calf thymus DNA (prepared as described in Example 1) and totalrat liver RNA.

Sheared calf thymus DNA (126 μg, 60 μg, 30 μg, 15 μg, or 5 μg) or totalrat liver RNA (125 μg, 60 μg, 30 μg, 15 μg, or 5 μg) was added in 50 μLto separate Eppendorf tubes (1.5 ml) containing 450 μl of binding buffer(50 mM Tris, pH 8, 4.8 M sodium iodide), and 10 mg of Sigma silicondioxide particles (Sigma, prepared as described in Example 7). The workwas performed in triplicate, so there were 15 containers for the fivedifferent amounts of DNA and 15 containers for the five differentamounts of RNA. The samples were incubated at ambient temperature for5-10 minutes on a Vortex Genie-2 mixer at setting 7 (ScientificIndustries).

Following binding, the particles were centrifuged 14,000 rpm for 1minute and the supernatant was removed. The particles were subsequentlywashed four times with 1 ml of 70% ethanol. Following addition of 250 μLof 50 mM Tris, pH 9.0, the particles were incubated for 5-10 minutes at56° C. with continuous shaking (1400 rpm) on an Eppendorf Thermomixer R.The particles were centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 1 minute and thesupernatant containing eluted nucleic acid was collected. In order todetect the presence of residual bound nucleic acid, 250 μL of 100 mMNaOH was added, the particles were incubated for 5-10 minutes at 56° C.with continuous shaking (1400 rpm) on an Eppendorf Thermomixer R, andthe eluted nucleic acid was collected. The amount of nucleic acid ineach fraction was quantitated spectrophotometrically.

The results are shown in FIG. 10. Under the binding conditions used inthis study, 10 mg of the silicon dioxide particles had a capacity of ˜25μg for genomic DNA. There was virtually complete recovery of addedgenomic DNA at concentrations below saturation, indicating that the DNArecovery is efficient. In contrast, RNA recovery was low over the entirerange of added RNA. The low amount of RNA recovered may, in fact, havebeen a result of contaminating RNA in the initial preparation.

Example 10

In order to test whether selectivity resulted from RNA degradation dueto the alkalinity of the binding buffer, RNA was incubated either at pH6 or pH 10 prior to binding to silica under conditions compatible withRNA binding as follows. Total rat liver RNA (25 μg in a total volume of10 μL) was incubated, in duplicate, in 100 μL of either 50 mM AMPcontaining pH 10, 4.8 M NaI, or 50 mM MES, pH 6 containing 4.8 M NaI atambient temperature for 5, 10, 15 30 or 60 minutes. At the end of theindicated time, 1 mL of 50 mM MES, pH 6 containing 4.8 M NaI was addedto each tube in order to render conditions compatible with RNA bindingto silica. The reactions were mixed and 10 mg of Sigma silicon dioxide(prepared as described in Example 1) in a total volume of 50 μL wasadded. The samples were incubated at ambient temperature for 10 minuteson a Vortex Genie-2 mixer at setting 7 (Scientific Industries).

Following binding, the particles were centrifuged 14,000 rpm for 1minute and the supernatant was removed. The particles were subsequentlywashed twice with 1 ml of 50 mM MES, pH 6 containing 4.8 M NaI followedby four times with 1 mL of 70% ethanol. Following addition of 250 μL of50 mM Tris, pH 9.0, the particles were incubated for 5-10 minutes at 56°C. with continuous shaking (1400 rpm) on an Eppendorf Thermomixer R. Theparticles were centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 1 minute and thesupernatant containing eluted nucleic acid was collected. In order todetect the presence of residual bound nucleic acid, 250 μL of 100 mMNaOH was added, the particles were incubated for 5-10 minutes at 56° C.with continuous shaking (1400 rpm) on an Eppendorf Thermomixer R, andthe eluted nucleic acid was collected. The amount of nucleic acid ineach fraction was quantified spectrophotometrically.

As shown in FIG. 16, the half-life of RNA is 86 minutes and 260 minutesat pH 10 and 6, respectively. Based on these half-lives, only 7.7% and2.6% of the added RNA would be expected to degrade during a 10 minutebinding incubation at pH 10 and 6, respectively.

Example 11

The effect of pH on protein binding was examined. Each condition wasassayed once. Purified bovine serum albumin (1 mg, 100 μl of a 10 mg/mlsolution in water, New England Biolabs, Lot 938) was added to 1.5 mlmicrocentrifuge tubes containing 1 ml of: (1) 50 mM MES, pH 6.0, 4.75 MNaI; (2) 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8, 4.75 M NaI; or (3) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.75M NaI. The solid phase (10 mg) was added to the separate bufferedprotein solutions and the mixtures were incubated at ambient temperaturewith occasional mixing.

Following the binding incubation, the particles were centrifuged(15,800×g, 1 minute), and then washed four times with 0.5 ml of 70%ethanol. Following the last ethanol wash, the particles were allowed toair dry at ambient temperature for 10 minutes. The bound protein wasfirst eluted with 0.25 ml of 50 mM Tris, pH 9 for 5 minutes at 56° C.with constant mixing and the eluted protein was collected. Any residualprotein bound to the particles was eluted with 0.25 ml of 0.1 N NaOH at56° C. for 5 minutes with constant mixing and the eluted protein wascollected. The recovery of protein was quantified by spectrophotometry.

The results are shown in FIG. 11. Like RNA binding, protein binding tosilica was reduced as the pH of the binding buffer was increased.

Example 12

The effect of salt composition on DNA and RNA binding to silica wasexamined at alkaline pH. Silicon dioxide (which is also called Sigmasilica) was prepared as described in Example 1. Sheared calf thymus DNAwas prepared according to Example 1. Rat liver total RNA was the sourceof RNA.

Each nucleic acid and buffer combination was assayed once. Either 25 μg(50 μl of a 0.5 mg/ml solution in water) sheared calf thymus DNA or 25μg (10 μl of a 2.5 mg/ml solution in water) rat liver total RNA wasadded separately to separate 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes containing 0.5ml of one of the following buffers: (1) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 3.65 M lithiumchloride; (2) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 3.65 M lithium bromide; (3) 50 mM AMP,pH 10, 3.65 M lithium iodide; (4) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 3.65 M sodiumchloride; (5) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 3.65 M sodium bromide; (6) 50 mM AMP, pH10, 3.65 M sodium iodide; (7) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 3.65 M potassiumchloride; (8) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 3.65 M potassium bromide; or (9) 50 mMAMP, pH 10, 3.65 M potassium iodide.

The solid phase (10 mg) was added to each of the 18 buffered nucleicacid solutions and the mixtures were incubated for 10 minutes at ambienttemperature with occasional mixing. Following the binding incubation,the particles were centrifuged (15,800×g, 1 minute) and washed fourtimes with 0.5 ml of 70% ethanol. The bound nucleic acid was firsteluted with 0.25 ml of 10 mM Tris, pH 9, for 5 minutes at 56° C. withconstant mixing and the eluted nucleic acid was collected. Any residualnucleic acid bound to the particles was eluted with 0.25 ml of 0.1 NNaOH at 56° C. for 5 minutes with constant mixing and the eluted nucleicacid was collected. The recovery of nucleic acid was quantified byspectrophotometry.

The results are shown in FIGS. 12( a)-(f). To facilitate analysis, thedata is shown grouped by cation or anion.

At pH 10, binding of DNA was influenced by the composition of the anion.DNA binding to silicon dioxide (Sigma silica) increased as themonovalent anion radius was increased. The radius of the monovalentcation influenced the magnitude of that effect. In contrast, the bindingof RNA to silica showed a tendency to decrease as the anion radius wasincreased. Decreasing the size of the cation increased the capacity ofthe silicon dioxide for both nucleic acid species. As a result,selectivity for DNA binding could be improved with certain selections ofsalt composition. These results showed that the larger the anion, thegreater the selectivity. There was no correlation between the cationradius and selectivity. Sodium demonstrated the highest degree ofselectivity for DNA binding.

Example 13

To demonstrate discrimination of the selective conditions for isolatingDNA, the ability of high concentrations of RNA to inhibit binding ofgenomic DNA was examined. Silicon dioxide and genomic DNA was preparedas described in Example 1. Rat liver total RNA was the source of RNA.

Each condition was assayed once. Five separate 10 μl mixtures of RNA andDNA at RNA:DNA ratios of 1:1 (15 μg:15 μg), 10:1 (15 μg:1 μg), 30:1 (15μg:0.5 μg), or 100:1 (20 μg:0.2 μg), were added to separate 1.5 mlmicrocentrifuge tubes containing 0.45 ml of one of the followingbuffers: (1) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.75 M NaI; or (2) 50 mM MES, pH 6.0,4.75 M NaI. The solid phase (10 mg) was added to each of the 10 bufferednucleic acid solution combinations and the mixtures were incubated for10 minutes at ambient temperature with occasional mixing.

Following the binding incubation, the particles were centrifuged(15,800×g, 1 minute) and washed four times with 0.5 ml of 70% ethanol.Following the last ethanol wash, the particles were washed once with 0.5ml of acetone. Once the acetone was removed, the pellets were dried for5 minutes at 56° C. The bound nucleic acid was eluted with 50 μl of 10mM Tris, pH 9, for 5 minutes at 56° C. with constant mixing and theeluted nucleic acid was collected.

The recovery of nucleic acid was visualized by agarose gelelectrophoresis (see FIG. 13). Electrophoresis was performed on 2 μl ofthe nucleic acid stock mixes or 5 μl of the isolated eluate. Sampleswere electrophoresed through a 1% SeaKem® (Teknova), 0.5 μg/ml ethidiumbromide gel using 1×TBE, 0.5 μg/ml ethidium bromide buffer (BIO-RAD), at8V/cm for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Ethidium-stained material was visualizedand photographed under short wave ultra-violet light. Molecular weightmarkers consisted of an AmpliSize DNA molecular weight standard(BIO-RAD) and an RNA ladder (GIBCO BRL).

At pH 10 in NaI, silica was at least 40-fold more selective for DNA thanRNA. At pH 6, there was nearly complete capture of the added RNA. At thehighest level of added RNA (20 μg), no detectable RNA was recovered atpH 10. In contrast, when 0.5 μg of genomic DNA was added, detectable DNAwas recovered. Therefore, at pH 10, in the presence of sodium iodide,silica showed greater that 40-fold greater selectivity for DNA than RNA.

Example 14

To evaluate whether high levels of RNA would compete with DNA forbinding to a solid phase, high levels of RNA were mixed with genomic DNAand bound under both nonselective and selective conditions. Sigmasilicon dioxide and sheared genomic DNA was prepared as described inExample 1. Rat liver total RNA (Biochain Institute, lot numbers A304057,A305062, or A306073) was the source of RNA.

Each nucleic acid and buffer combination was assayed twice. Either (a) 5μg sheared calf thymus DNA (10 μl of 0.5 mg/ml) and 5 μg (2 μl of 2.5mg/ml) of rat liver total RNA, or (b) 5 μg sheared calf thymus DNA (10μl of 0.5 mg/ml) and 50 μg (20 μl of 2.5 mg/ml) of rat liver total RNAwas added separately and mixed in separate 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubescontaining 0.45 ml of one of the following buffers: (1) 50 mM AMP, pH10, 3.5 M NaI; or (2) 50 mM MES, pH 6.0, 3.5 M NaI. The solutions wereincubated at ambient temperature for 5 minutes.

The solid phase (10 mg) was added to each of the four buffered nucleicacid solution combinations and the mixtures were incubated for 10minutes at ambient temperature with occasional mixing. Following thebinding incubation, the particles were centrifuged (15,800×g, 1 minute),and washed three times with 0.5 ml of 70% ethanol. The bound nucleicacid was eluted with 100 μl of 10 mM Tris, pH 9 for 5 minutes at 56° C.with constant mixing and the eluted nucleic acid was collected.

The recovery of nucleic acid was visualized by agarose gelelectrophoresis (see FIG. 14). Of the isolation eluate, 10 μl waselectrophoresed through a 0.8% SeaKem agarose gel as described inExample 13. Ethidium-stained material was visualized and photographedunder a short wave ultra-violet light.

Even at excess RNA concentrations, little RNA was isolated under the DNAselective conditions. The data showed that the amount of RNAcontamination was lower than the limit of detection when using selectiveconditions. Under nonselective conditions, at high concentrations ofnucleic acids, the limited number of nucleic acid binding sites mayreduce overall DNA recovery.

Example 15

Genomic DNA was isolated from whole human blood as follows. Silicondioxide was prepared as described in Example 1.

Each condition was assayed once. Either 25 μl or 100 μl of whole blood(Blood Centers of the Pacific) was added separately to separate 1.5 mlmicrocentrifuge tubes containing either 0.25 ml or 0.9 ml (respectively)of one of the following buffers: (1) 50 mM MES, pH 6.0, 4.75 M NaI, or(2) 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 4.75 M NaI. Nucleic acid was incubated 10 minutesat ambient temperature in the buffered solution, with occasional mixing.

The solid phase (10 mg) was added to the four buffered nucleic acidsolution combinations, and the mixtures were incubated 10 minutes atambient temperature with occasional mixing. Following the bindingincubation, the particles were centrifuged (15,800×g, 1 minute), andwashed twice with 0.5 ml of the binding buffer that had been used forthe binding incubation. Subsequently, the particles were washed fourtimes with 70% ethanol. The bound nucleic acid was eluted with 50 μl of10 mM Tris, pH 9 for 5 minutes at 56° C. with constant mixing and theeluted nucleic acid was collected.

The recovery of nucleic acid was visualized by agarose gelelectrophoresis (see FIG. 15). Either 2 μl or 10 μl of the isolationeluate was electrophoresed through 1.0% SeaKem agarose gel as describedin Example 13. Ethidium-stained material was visualized and photographedunder short wave ultra-violet light.

When silica was added to whole blood in NaI-containing buffer at pH 6,the particles clump, suggesting that protein also adsorbed to theparticles. As a result, DNA recovery was poor. In contrast, the silicaparticles remained in suspension when added to blood at pH 10. In theabsence of protein adsorption to the particles, DNA recovery was high.

Example 16

In certain embodiments, both DNA and RNA can be isolated from a samplemixture by sequential selective binding (sequential selective binding).An exemplary sequential selective binding is shown in FIG. 17. Insequential selective binding, the sample is contacted with the solidphase under conditions compatible with selective DNA binding. The solidphase containing the bound DNA is separated from the unbound material,and the conditions in the unbound fraction are adjusted to thosecompatible with RNA binding to the solid phase. A second solid phase isadded to this second fraction to adsorb the RNA. DNA and RNA are thenisolated from the respective solid phases.

To evaluate an embodiment of sequential selective binding of DNA andRNA, a mixture of the two was processed under sequential selectivebinding conditions. First, the DNA was bound to the solid phase underDNA selective conditions and then the unbound RNA fraction was removedand bound to the same solid phase using nonselective binding conditions.Sigma silicon dioxide and sheared genomic DNA was prepared as describedin Example 1. Rat liver total RNA (Biochain Institute) was the source ofRNA.

Each nucleic acid and buffer combination was assayed twice. 5 μg DNA, 5μg RNA and a mixture of 5 μg DNA and 5 μg RNA were added to separate 1.5ml microcentrifuge tubes containing 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 3.5 M NaI; 50 mMMES, pH 6, 3.5 M NaI; and 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 3.5 M NaI respectively. Thebuffered solutions were incubated for 5 minutes at ambient temperature.10 mg of the solid phase was added to each of the 6 buffered nucleicacid solution combinations and the mixtures were incubated for 10minutes at ambient temperature with occasional mixing.

Following the binding incubation, the particles were centrifuged(15,800×g, 1 minute) and washed 3 times with 0.5 ml of 70% ethanol. Oncethe ethanol was removed, the particles were allowed to dry at ambienttemperature at least 10 minutes.

The supernatants from the binding reactions of the mixture of DNA andRNA were taken and added to separate 1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubescontaining 1 mL of 50 mM MES, pH 6, 3.5 M NaI. To these tubes was added10 mg of the solid phase and the mixtures were incubated for 10 minutesat ambient temperature with occasional mixing.

Following the binding incubation, the particles were centrifuged(15,800×g, 1 minute) and washed 3 times with 0.5 mL of 70% ethanol. Oncethe ethanol was removed, the particles were allowed to dry at ambienttemperature at least 10 minutes.

The bound nucleic acid was eluted from all particles with 0.1 mL of 10mM Tris-HCl, pH 9, for 5 minutes at 56° C. with constant mixing and theeluted nucleic acid collected.

The recovery of nucleic acid was visualized by agarose gelelectrophoresis. Electrophoresis was performed on 10 μL of the isolatedeluate. Samples were electrophoresed through a 0.8% SeaKem®, 0.5 μg/mLethidium bromide gel using 1×TBE, 0.5 μg/mL ethidium bromide buffer(BIO-RAD), at 7V/cm for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Ethidium-stained materialwas visualized and photographed under short wave ultra-violet light.Molecular weight markers consisted of High Molecular Weight DNA Markers(GIBCO BRL). The results are shown in FIG. 18.

Example 17

In certain embodiments, both DNA and RNA can be isolated from a samplemixture by first binding both species to a solid phase and sequentiallyreleasing each nucleic acid type under the appropriate conditions(sequential specific elution). An exemplary sequential selective elutionis shown in FIG. 17. In sequential selective elution, the sample iscontacted with the solid phase under conditions that bind both DNA andRNA. Following washes, the RNA is released under conditions that bindonly DNA. The solid phase is removed and the DNA and RNA aresubsequently purified from both fractions.

To evaluate an embodiment of sequential selective elution, mixtures ofDNA and RNA were contacted with the solid phase under conditions whichwould bind both. The RNA is eluted under conditions which bind only DNA,and the DNA is subsequently eluted using a low ionic strength buffer.Sigma silicon dioxide and sheared genomic DNA was prepared as describedin Example 1. Rat liver total RNA (Biochain Institute) was the source ofRNA.

Each nucleic acid and buffer combination was assayed twice, and the DNAand RNA was processed as follows. Either (1) 10 μg sheared calf thymusDNA, or (2) 10 μg rat liver total RNA, or (3) 10 μg sheared calf thymusDNA and 10 μg rat liver total RNA was added to separate 1.5 mlmicrocentrifuge tubes containing 0.2 ml 50 mM MES, pH 6, 3.5 M sodiumiodide, and incubated five minutes at ambient temperature withoccasional mixing. The solid phase (10 mg) was added to each of thebuffered nucleic acid solutions and the mixtures were incubated for 10minutes at ambient temperature with mixing.

Following the binding incubation, the particles—with the exception ofone replicate set of particles with both DNA and RNA bound—werecentrifuged (15,800×g, 1 minute) and the bound nucleic acid was elutedwith 0.2 mL 10 mM Tris, pH 9 for 5 minutes at 56° C. with constantmixing, and the eluted nucleic acid was collected.

One replicate set of particles with both DNA and RNA bound were washedwith 0.2 ml 50 mM AMP, pH 10, 3.5 M NaI, for 5 minutes at ambienttemperature with occasional mixing, and the RNA was eluted andcollected. The particles were then washed with 0.2 ml 10 mM Tris, pH 9for 5 minutes at 56° C. with constant mixing, and the bound DNA waseluted and collected.

The recovery of nucleic acid was visualized by agarose gelelectrophoresis. Of the isolation eluate, 10 μL was electrophoresedthrough a 1% SeaKem®, 0.5 μg/mL ethidium bromide gel using 1×TBE, 0.5μg/mL ethidium bromide buffer (BIO-RAD), at 7V/cm for 30 minutes to 1hour. Ethidium-stained material was visualized and photographed undershort wave ultra-violet light. Molecular weight markers consisted ofHigh Molecular Weight DNA Markers (GIBCO BRL). The results are shown inFIG. 19.

1. A method for isolating DNA and RNA from a biological samplecomprising: selectively binding DNA to a first solid phase by contactingthe biological sample with the first solid phase under conditions whichselectively bind DNA; separating the first solid phase with the boundDNA from a first unbound portion of the biological sample; isolating theDNA from the first solid phase; and isolating RNA from the first unboundportion of the biological sample, wherein the isolating of the RNA fromthe first unbound portion of the biological sample comprises: exposingthe first unbound portion of the biological sample to a second solidphase under conditions which bind RNA to the second solid phase, whereinthe conditions which bind RNA to the second solid phase comprise aneutral or acidic pH; separating the second solid phase with bound RNAfrom a second unbound portion of the biological sample; and isolatingthe RNA from the second solid phase.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe isolating the DNA from the first solid phase comprises eluting theDNA.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the isolating of the RNA from thesecond solid phase comprises eluting the RNA.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the second solid phase is a siliceous material.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the siliceous material is selected from at least one ofsilica, silica dioxide, diatomaceous earth, glass, Celite, and silicagel.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the second solid phase is in aform selected from at least one of a particle, a bead, a membrane, afrit, a surface within a chamber, and a side of a container.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the conditions which selectively bind DNAcomprise using a binding buffer comprising: an alkaline pH; and a largeanion, wherein the large anion is at least as large as a bromide ion. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the large anion is selected from at leastone of picrate, tannate, tungstate, molybdate, perchlorate, andsulfosalicylate.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the large anion isselected from at least one of trichloroacetate, tribromoacetate,thiocyanate, and nitrate.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the largeanion is selected from at least one of iodide and bromide.
 11. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the alkaline pH is equal to, or above 8.0.12. The method of claim 7, wherein the alkaline pH is equal to, or above9.0.
 13. The method of claim 7, wherein the alkaline pH is equal to, orabove 10.0.
 14. A method of isolating nucleic acid from a biologicalsample comprising: binding nucleic acid to a first solid phase bycontacting the biological sample with the first solid phase underconditions which bind both RNA and DNA; separating the first solid phasewith bound nucleic acid from a first unbound portion of the biologicalsample; eluting RNA from the first solid phase with bound nucleic acidunder conditions which selectively bind DNA; removing the first solidphase with bound DNA from a first eluate; and isolating the DNA from thefirst solid phase.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the isolating theDNA from the first solid phase comprises eluting the DNA from the firstsolid phase.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first solid phaseis a siliceous material.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein thesiliceous material is selected from at least one of silica, silicadioxide, diatomaceous earth, glass, Celite, and silica gel.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the first solid phase is in a form selectedfrom at least one of a particle, a bead, a membrane, a frit, a surfacewithin a chamber, and a side of a container.
 19. The method of claim 14,wherein the conditions which selectively bind DNA comprise using abinding buffer comprising: an alkaline PH; and a large anion, whereinthe large anion is at least as large as a bromide ion.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the large anion is selected from at least one ofpicrate, tannate, tungstate, molybdate, perchlorate, andsulfosalicylate.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the large anion isselected from at least one of trichloroacetate, tribromoacetate,thiocyanate, and nitrate.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the largeanion is selected from at least one of iodide and bromide.
 23. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the alkaline pH is equal to, or above 8.0.24. The method of claim 19, wherein the alkaline pH is equal to, orabove 9.0.
 25. The method of claim 19, wherein the alkaline pH is equalto, or above 10.0.
 26. The method of claim 14, further comprising:exposing the first eluate to a second solid phase under conditions whichbind RNA to the second solid phase; separating the second solid phasewith the bound RNA from an unbound portion of the first eluate; andisolating the RNA from the second solid phase.
 27. The method of claim26, wherein the isolating the RNA from the second solid phase compriseseluting the RNA.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the second solidphase is a siliceous material.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein thesiliceous material is selected from at least one of silica, silicadioxide, diatomaceous earth, glass, Celite, and silica gel.
 30. Themethod of claim 29, wherein the second solid phase is in a form selectedfrom at least one of a particle, a bead, a membrane, a frit, a surfacewithin a chamber, and a side of a container.
 31. The method of claim 26,wherein the conditions which bind RNA to the second solid phase comprisea neutral or acidic pH.
 32. The method of claim 26, wherein theconditions which selectively bind DNA comprise using a binding buffercomprising: an alkaline PH; and a large anion, wherein the large anionis at least as large as a bromide ion.
 33. The method of claim 32,wherein the conditions which bind RNA to the second solid phase comprisea neutral or acidic pH.
 34. A method for identifying DNA and RNA in abiological sample comprising: selectively binding DNA to a first solidphase by contacting the biological sample with the first solid phaseunder conditions which selectively bind DNA; separating the first solidphase with the bound DNA from a first unbound portion of the biologicalsample; exposing the first unbound portion of the biological sample to asecond solid phase under conditions which bind RNA to the second solidphase, wherein the conditions which bind RNA to the second solid phasecomprise a neutral or acidic pH; separating the second solid phase withbound RNA from a second unbound portion of the biological sample;identifying the DNA bound to the first solid phase; and identifying theRNA bound to the second solid phase.
 35. The method of claim 34, whereinthe identifying the DNA bound to the first solid phase comprisesamplifying the DNA bound to the first solid phase.
 36. A method ofidentifying nucleic acid in a biological sample comprising: bindingnucleic acid to a first solid phase by contacting the biological samplewith the first solid phase under conditions which bind both DNA and RNA;separating the first solid phase with bound nucleic acid from a firstunbound portion of the biological sample; eluting RNA from the firstsolid phase with bound nucleic acid under conditions which selectivelybind DNA; removing the first solid phase with bound DNA from a firsteluate; and identifying the DNA bound to the first solid phase.
 37. Themethod claim 36, wherein the identifying the DNA bound to the firstsolid phase comprises amplifying the DNA bound to the first solid phase.